There are so many cute art projects using mice that it’s easy to find a follow-up creative activity, too. I think it’s a great book to begin the school year. He goes back home, returns to school, and becomes a good student himself, so he can come back and teach the frogs correctly. He tries to teach the frogs what he knows, but soon realizes that he only knows the wrong answers since he did not pay attention in class. He ends up getting lost, and meets three frogs. Walter is very lazy and never pays attention in school. ![]() This is an old book that none of the children have ever read, so the story is always a surprise to them. I usually begin the year by reading the chapter book “Walter the Lazy Mouse” by Marjorie Flack. ![]() Some students really get a kick out of reading what they wrote 3 years prior. Then I give them the letters when they graduate the 8th grade. Another adaptation is that I give this assignment to the 6th graders. At the end of the year it is exciting to observe the students react to their own letters (and share with others). It is exciting to read all the letters to get to know the students, understand where they are coming from, and what they expect. This can lead to other activities such as sharing their letters, seeing if their opinions changes a great deal. At the end of the year, the teacher passes out their letters. The teacher collects the letters to put them in individual envelopes. Inside the letter they are to discuss their feelings about starting a new school year, what they loved/hated about the previous school year, and what they expect to learn this year. “Dear Me” is a letter students write to themselves on the first day of school. We will miss them terribly but we will learn to live without them”. Have a simple service with appropriate words such as “Today, we bury our can’ts. Or bury it away somewhere in your school or classroom to pull out at the end of the year. Such as “I can’t do word problems,” or “I can’t read well.” Collect the papers, place them in a shoe box or paper bag, and bury it in the school yard. Distribute a small piece of paper to each student for them to write at least one thing they think they cannot do academically. ![]() CrenshawĪ great first day activity is the “I Can’t Funeral”. The students job is to place the sentence in order. Sentences like: Welcome to 3rd grade! It’s going to be a great year! I’m glad you are here! Be sure to cut between the words like a puzzle. Type a short letter attached to an envelope inviting students to unscramble the sentence you have placed in their envelope. ![]() This activity is great to use the first day kids walk in, while you greet new students and their parents. We also then create a map of the school and create a book about our hunt. After the students find the treat they get to eat it. As we read the clues we look for the goodie in all the places. On the first day of kindergarten we read the clues which take us around the school, into the office, the library, restrooms, playground, etc. Before school begins I hide the goodie somewhere on campus and write out clue cards. To familiarize students with the school and personnel, I take students on a hunt for a certain goodie (cookies, watermelon, etc.) around the school. Also see: Back to School Resource Page First Day Hunt
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